Working Title: Mining Planning Director - Planning Director State
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 94305
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 06/03/2026
Closing Date : 06/23/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Occasionally as needed for meetings
Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) permanent full-time Mining Planning Director - Planning Director State located in Saint Paul.
The incumbent will direct, coordinate and manage the review of large, complex, time-sensitive environmental review documents that often involve multiple resource agencies, local units of government, private industry, multiple external stakeholders and legal and technical consultants and various economic constituents. The first priority will be to manage and coordinate the preparation of a mining industry environmental impact statement (EIS) to fulfill the responsibilities of DNR under the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and related activities. The incumbent will envision, design, organize and oversee the work of other advanced professional staff conducting environmental review.
Responsibilities include:
Act as a lead worker for mining-related environmental review activities. Envision, design, organize and oversee the work of other advanced professional staff conducting environmental review.
Organize and conduct planning and communication activities necessary to prepare mining-related EISs for which the DNR is the responsible governmental unit (RGU). As a lead worker, this responsibility may be performed by others under your oversight.
Envision, design, conduct, manage and oversee complete environmental review of EIS projects for which the DNR is responsible so that the rules and requirements of the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Minnesota Rules are fully met. This includes EIS scoping, draft and final EIS, and adequacy determination. As a lead worker, this responsibility may be performed by others under your oversight.
Manage EIS budgetary and financial matters to ensure that costs are appropriate and in keeping with initial estimates. As a lead worker, this responsibility may be performed by others under your oversight.
Manage the EIS consultant hiring process and direct, manage and oversee consultant work.As a lead worker, this responsibility may be performed by others under your oversight.
Manage and perform other DNR projects as assigned.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in public administration/policy, urban and regional planning, natural resources management, or business administration AND at least three (3) years of professional experience leading policy, planning, strategic projects and/ or continuous improvement projects to meet project objectives
OR
Associate's degree AND at least four (4) years of professional experience leading policy, planning, strategic projects and/ or continuous improvement projects to meet project objectives.
All applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Experience conducting formal environmental review, such as Environmental Assessment Worksheets or Environmental Impact Analysis.
Experience creating project cost estimates and managing project budgets.
Professional experience using project management tools, strategic planning frameworks and continuous improvement methodologies to successfully lead and complete projects.
Project management skills sufficient to independently manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
Communication skills sufficient to develop and adapt communications as necessary to engage specific audiences in planning activities and relate well to DNR staff and leadership, external partners and stakeholders, and members of the public.
Skills in group process sufficient to conduct meeting preparation and meeting facilitation for diverse audiences that include internal professional and technical staff, senior agency leaders, and external stakeholders.
Skills in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook, Teams, sufficient to complete spreadsheets, write and generate reports and facilitate online meetings and group processes.
Knowledge of environmental review laws, natural resource regulations, rules, and general regulatory processes in Minnesota as they apply to land use planning and control, and federal, state, and local regulatory authorities.
Knowledge of natural resource issues, outdoor recreation planning, disciplines, and relevant state laws, rules, and policies.
Document development skills sufficient to produce objective and accurate environmental documents in a high-profile atmosphere on routine and complex projects.
Human relations skills sufficient to motivate, guide, train and build consensus with clients, peers, and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters' degree in public administration, public policy, urban and regional planning, natural resources management, business administration, or related field.
Experience as the Responsible Governmental Unit project manager for state or federal environmental review.
Experience in written communication for the public, such as communications plans, press releases, citizen subscriber update emails, fact sheets and web content.
Experience planning and executing large public meetings and open houses, including effectively acting as lead presenter and/or emcee.
Knowledge of common technical concepts, terminology, and practices present in mining impact analysis.
Excellent public relations skills sufficient to engage with the public, Agency and State leadership, legislators, legal counsels, members of the media, tribal entities, and respond to potential concern.
Knowledge of the RFP process and hiring and utilizing contractors.
Ability to lead high-profile public activities on controversial projects while maintaining personal sensitivity and tact at all times.
Ability to identify and make recommendations on significant issues of policy to Supervisor and Agency leadership.
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
